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Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary
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Joined 2016
Through this tour you will be intrigued with the charm of Buddhist statuary, which represents people's wishes and prayers. Figures of statues vary according to the development of eras from Asuka period to Muromachi period. At the same time you can visit Nara Park, where you can feed deer. Also you can visit a nice sake tasting place after the tour if you like.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
Kohfukuji Temple and its national treasure museum
Nara Park ( You can enjoy feeding rice-bran crackers to deer.)
Isuien Garden, a strolling-style landscape garden with two different types of gardens built in different ages.
Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall, Nigatsu-do Hall and Hokke-do Hall )
Kasuga Grand Shrine ( Strolling in the cedar forest is very cool and refreshing. )
Local sake tasting at a sake brewery in Nara Machi
Ending Point
Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
lunch, entrance fee ( ￥2900) for Kohfukuji Temple ( the national treasure house ) Isuien Garden and Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall and Hokke-do Hall ) and local sake tasting (￥500) at the sake brewery.
Tour Important Information
This is a walking tour and it is desirable that you wear walking shoes or sneakers. A pet bottle of water is to be carried with you.
Important message from the supplier
It is desirable to carry overseas travel insurance because the guide is not liable for any damage or loss incurred during the tour. It is also requested to bring enough Japanese yen with you because some restaurants and taxis do not accept credit cards.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2016
About Tour Guide Yoshihisa T.
Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest.
Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise.
One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?
Reviews
Rian W.
“An unforgettable day with Joshie – the ideal guide for exploring the city”
We had an unforgettable day exploring Kyoto with our guide, Joshie. His deep knowledge of the country’s culture and history, combined with his background as a teacher, made every moment both engaging and educational. He took the time to explain everything with patience and passion, which really enhanced our experience. The day ended on a high note with a fantastic dinner at a local restaurant, where we got to enjoy great food and conversation together. Joshie is not just a guide — he’s someone who genuinely connects with people. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a meaningful and memorable tour. Even our children (ages 23, 21, and 17) were thoroughly impressed and became instant fans!
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Yoshihisa T.
Hi Rian. I really appreciate your excellent comment on my tour in Kyoto. I am very pleased to learn that you all enjoyed every minute of the day during the tour. I am also glad that you liked the food and the atmosphere of the izakaya for dinner. I hope our paths will cross someday soon during the cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. I wish you the best of luck! Yoshie
Jeff S.
“Couldn’t Imagine Kyoto Without Yoshie ”
Yoshie was the sweetest man, who won our hearts when he gave my daughter origami his wife made for her to start the trip. We saw so much in 1 day, and his “Golden Route” efficiently hit all the stops we wanted. He has great knowledge of Japan’s history and culture, and he knew the best spots to get brilliant photos. He also took us to a superb restaurant for lunch we wouldn’t have found on our own. He had energy in spades and you could tell he loves his tour guide work.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Jeff. Thank you so much for your excellent review for my tour in Kyoto. I am very pleased to learn that you had a wonderful tour with me in spite of the terrible heat. I hope you will return home with lots of nice memories of Japan. Ichigo Ichie. Yoshie
Dominika V.
“Great tour of Kyoto during the summer heat! ”
Thanks for the great tour Yoshie! Yoshie took our group for the Golden route tour- he was very friendly and accommodating, as well as very knowledgeable of the areas we were touring. Yoshie also helped us to take some photos during the tour and showed us some interesting spots for photos. Yoshie took us to his recommended restaurant for lunch and Izakaya for dinner. Both times the food was delicious. Thank you to his wife for the origami cranes, they were beautifully made! Thank you again Yoshie, all the best for the future!
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Dominika. I appreciate your excellent review for my tour in Kyoto. I also had a very pleasant time guiding and talking with you all. I am glad that you liked the food at the lunch restaurant and the izakaya for dinner. I hope our paths will cross again someday in the near future. With the best wishes. Yoshie
$238/ per group
More tours by Yoshihisa T.
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My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour
This tour is designed for those who would like to visit major scenic sites in Kyoto and off-the-beaten spots as well in a single day. The route is the one that has been favored and admired by many of my guests for the past few years. The itinerary mainly consists of three areas; Kitayama, Arashiyama and Fushimi areas. You will surely have unforgettable memories through the tour with me.
My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour
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My Favorite Silver Route: Kyoto One-day Tour
This tour is designed for those who have finished My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour and would like to make a second-day tour in Kyoto. The tour covers most of the main tourist attractions in the eastern area of Kyoto. It also has a couple of choices according to your needs and wishes. I hope you will have a very pleasant tour with me.
My Favorite Silver Route: Kyoto One-day Tour
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Izakaya Hopping & Sightseeing in Minami Area, Osaka
This tour is meant for those who would like to enjoy sightseeing in Minami ( South ) Area, Osaka and eating and drinking at three izakayas ( Japanese-style taverns ) for relatively reasonable prices in a friendly atmosphere.
Izakaya Hopping & Sightseeing in Minami Area, Osaka
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Kobe Arima Rokko One-day Tour
This tour is designed for those who would like to enjoy a variety of experiences in Kobe in a single day. The tour includes a visit to Ijinkan Town ( a former foreign residence area ) in Kobe, hot spring bathing in Arima Onsen, an aerial cableway riding from Arima to Rokko and taking in a splendid view of Osaka Bay from the top of Mt. Rokko.
Kobe Arima Rokko One-day Tour
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Nara
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One day tour in Nara
Highlights of the tour are feeding deers in Nara Park and overwhelmed by the great Budha, Daibutu. Tour also visits several historcal sites. As all historical sites are located in the Nara park, we will mainly walk through the park ( 5~8km ) The tour also can customized in line with the customer's interest, historical sites, cultural sites or shopping.
One day tour in Nara
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Tour of the Great Buddha of Nara
(Highlights) The Great Buddha of Nara is a magnificent structure weighing some 500 tons. Originally built in 752 AD, the stature is 15.9 meters high excluding the pedestal and its face 4.8 meters long. Subsequently, it was damaged by natural disasasters, fires and wars and was repaired several times. It was completely rebuilt in the Edo period (1603-1867). You will be amazed at the splendid image of the Great Buddha calmly seated on the pedestal with the look of a perfect repose and passionless calm. His right hand shows mercy and left hand, the wisdom of the universe. The building housing this huge image, The Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, is the largest existing wooden structure in the world, having an area of 54 meters by 49 meters and a height of 45 meters. It was burned down by a fire twice, but was rebuilt in the Edo period. (How to enjoy) You will be amazed at how huge the Buddha image is. Immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere it creates amid the odor of burning incense, wonder at the ancient technology and the wisdom and the devotion of people. After all, you will never end up not being deeply impressed with the aura the "Daibutsu-sama" Great Buddha emits. Everywhere around the Great Buddha Hall, in the meantime, you can enjoy mixing with tame deer which do you no harm but ask you for food, "shika-sembei", which is being sold at the nearby stalls for 150 yen a pack containing some 50 grams of the deer food. You will feel very happy feeding, stroking and hugging the cute animal whose number exceeds, perhaps, 100. (Others) The transportation fare between Kyoto and Nara on a Kintetsu train is 620 yen (plus 510 yen if you take a limited express train). The entrance fee to Todaiji temple is 600 yen.
Tour of the Great Buddha of Nara
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Let's enjoy walking around the ancient city called Heijyokyo or Nara established in 710.
Nara is the most ancient city in Japan. You can see one of the most biggest images of Buddha in Japan called"Daibutu-san", and You also see many deer roaming freely around in Nara park. We visit Kasuga-Taisya Shrine ,founded to protect the Heijyokyo, which is also the deity of Fujiwara family is enshrined.
Let's enjoy walking around the ancient city called Heijyokyo or Nara established in 710.
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Tales of Nara; Deer, Bells & Ancient Spells
Discover the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Nara. Explore ancient shrines, iconic temples, and scenic parks — the highlights of what Nara has to offer! This is a model course and can be customized to your preferences after booking. Pace: Moderate, with a mix of walking and train/taxi. Best for: Culture lovers, history fans, and also first-time visitors. Tour Style: A blend of iconic landmarks mixed with local experiences.
Tales of Nara; Deer, Bells & Ancient Spells
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